Exhibitor guide · Downtown Washington, D.C.
Marriott Marquis Washington, DC: the exhibitor's guide
100,000+ square feet of meeting space built specifically to connect to the convention center next door, an underground concourse that skips the weather entirely, and a 2014 build young enough to still feel new. What exhibitors need to know.
Why this page exists
This hotel opened in 2014 built specifically to connect to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center across 9th Street NW, via an underground concourse that lets exhibitors and attendees move between the two buildings without ever going outside. For a citywide convention that spills into the hotel's own ballrooms, that connection is the whole point. This guide covers the meeting space, D.C. labor rules, drayage, and how the concourse connection actually works for move-in.
The building
The meeting space
| Space | What it is | Typical shows | Booth planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main ballroom | 30,000 sq ft, plus two additional 10,800 sq ft ballrooms. | General sessions, galas | Carpeted; confirm floor protection needs. |
| Penthouse and terrace | An 18,800 sq ft glass-encased penthouse and a 5,200 sq ft outdoor event terrace. | Receptions, VIP events | Confirm freight access for these upper-level spaces. |
| 80 meeting rooms | Including 12 breakout rooms and 6 hospitality suites on the Mezzanine level. | Breakouts, hospitality suites | Hand-carry and tabletop formats. |
Figures from Marriott's published meeting-space overview for the property.
The labor map
Who sets up my booth?
Confirm hand-carry and self-install allowances with the show's official decorator; shows that span both the hotel and the adjoining convention center may have different labor rules in each building.
Union jurisdiction likely; confirm with the decorator
Rules vary by show, and may differ from the convention center's 10×10 exemption next door.
Exhibitor-appointed contractors
Purple files as your EAC for Marriott Marquis DC shows.
History
Built to connect
The Marriott Marquis Washington, DC opens as a LEED Silver-certified new build, one of the largest hotels to achieve that certification at the time, purpose-built with an underground concourse connecting directly to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center across 9th Street NW.
The hotel has become the default overflow and headquarters property for large citywide conventions based at the WEWCC.
Free tool
Marriott Marquis DC drayage estimator
Planning numbers for 2026 and 2027; your show's exhibitor kit has the tariff.
Logistics
Hotels, transit, crew logistics
- Connected: underground concourse straight into the WEWCC across 9th Street NW.
- By transit: Mt. Vernon Square/7th St-Convention Center Metro station is a short walk.
- Airport: Reagan National is about 20 minutes.
- Crew: Purple coordinates Mid-Atlantic crews for downtown D.C. installs.
| Hotel | Distance | Why exhibitors pick it |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott Marquis guest rooms | On-site | Direct concourse access to the WEWCC. |
| Downtown D.C. hotels | Walking distance | Additional options near Mt. Vernon Square. |
Questions
Marriott Marquis Washington, DC FAQ
Is this hotel connected to the convention center?
Yes, via an underground concourse across 9th Street NW, letting attendees move between the two buildings without going outside.
How big is the meeting space?
100,474 square feet across 80 meeting rooms, including a 30,000 square foot main ballroom.
Can I set up my own booth?
Confirm with your show's official decorator; hotel labor rules may differ from the convention center's 10×10 self-install exemption next door.
How much is drayage?
Purple's planning estimate is about $170 per hundredweight in 2026 and 2027, with a 200-pound minimum.
How big is the main ballroom?
30,000 square feet, within 100,474 sq ft of flexible meeting space across 80 rooms.
When did the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC open?
2014, with LEED Silver certification.
Exhibiting at the Marriott Marquis?
Send us the show and booth number. You get a labor briefing, a drayage estimate, and a build timeline within two business days.
Venue guides
Every venue we have a guide for
Same standard, every hall: the building, the rules, the tools and the calendar.